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Cyber-Clothing

(Canadian Press Broadcast Wire (Canada) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) VANCOUVER - It's research that gives new meaning to the term power suit: clothing that charges cell phones or monitors someone's heart rate is among the gizmos being developed by the University of British Columbia.

The research into wearable electronics and nine other projects at a UBC lab have received $8.5 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Science and Technology Minister Greg Rickford made the funding announcement in Vancouver, saying the innovation will not only find solutions to everyday problems, but also strengthen economic growth and create jobs.

The UBC projects are among 77 such research programs from 23 Canadian universities that received $43 million in grants.

Wearable technology has created a buzz at this week's annual international Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, with manufacturers showing off smart watches and wristbands.